Keep Your Skills Sharp

Uploading digital documents—such as scanned binders or portfolios—allows technical committees to review scorable components before the event. Failure to upload in the correct format may result in point deductions. Physical copies must still be presented on-site for review.

• Guide to Scanning Multiple Page Documentation

While the use of the provided resume template is optional, all competitors must follow the naming convention, save their file as a PDF, and adhere to page limits.

A printed resume may be brought on competition day; however, failure to upload the resume in advance will still incur a penalty. Be sure to review the Technical Standards as some competitions also require a printed copy.

Resources include:

• SkillsUSA Championships Resume Guide
• College/Postsecondary Sample Resume
• High School Sample Resume
• Middle School Sample Resume
• Resume Template – Microsoft Word
• Resume Template – Google Doc

These rubrics integrate SkillsUSA technical standards into the classroom and help develop workforce readiness skills. Reviewing the sample rubric for your event can provide useful insights into judging expectations.

• 2026 Sample Leadership and Occupational Rubrics

The Technical Standards indicate which events require a competition-specific knowledge test. The type (online, paper, or onsite) and the deadline are determined in collaboration with national partners. Competition updates will notify national competitors if their competition-specific knowledge test will be administered pre-conference.

• All national competitors must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test (PDT) prior to NLSC.
• Deadline: May 28, 2026, by 5 p.m. ET.
• Competitors should use the SkillsUSA PDT Study Guide to prepare.
• NOCTI Proctor Test Agreement (Available March 2026)
• Each competitor will receive personalized login credentials.
• Reminder: Using another competitor’s credentials will result in a zero for the test.

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) does NOT accept direct shipments to its physical address. Shipping must be arranged independently through a commercial carrier—both delivery to and return from Atlanta.

Shipping is not an automatic process; consideration should be made for potential expenses when shipping competition materials using a commercial carrier. SkillsUSA will not be held responsible for improperly labeled shipments, shipping damage, lost shipments, and/or delayed delivery. SkillsUSA is not responsible for locating lost shipments if items are shipped directly to GWCC.

• Competition Materials Move-In Instructions (Available March 2026)
• Competition Materials Shipping Instructions (Available March 2026)

• All national competitors are required to upload their resume prior to NLSC by the published deadline. Additional pre-conference requirements may be outlined in the Technical Standards or as competition-specific updates.
• Online submissions must be completed by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
• Review both the SkillsUSA Technical Standards and competition-specific updates to determine your pre-conference submission requirements.
  • Competitors that are required to submit a Safety Training Verification Letter and miss the upload deadline must bring a printed copy to orientation for verification. Note: A 10-point penalty per missing submission will be assessed, even if a hard copy is later provided.
  • Requests for accessibility accommodations must be approved by the Office of Workforce Development prior to the event. A verification letter must be uploaded to the Competitor Materials Portal. Visit the SkillsUSA Accessibility webpage for more info.
• Registered national competitors will receive their competitor number and login credentials via email by May 5, 2026.
• If login credentials are not received or if technical issues arise, contact the SkillsUSA Customer Care Team at:
  • Email: customercare@skillsusa.org
  • Phone: (844) 875-4557

This topic is to be addressed by competitors in the SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2025-26 school year is: SkillsUSA: Champion Your Future.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Tips and Reminders for National Competitors’ Demonstrations

To ensure a successful demonstration and adhere to SkillsUSA standards, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• The designated demonstration area will be marked with tape, measuring 8′ x 12′ on the floor.
• Both the competitor and all demonstration materials must remain within this 8′ x 12′ space. Points will be deducted for any violations, including materials, easels, presenters, models, or chairs extending beyond the marked area.
• Competitors are responsible for setting up their demonstrations. A model and/or assistant may assist only if the setup or dismantling involves heavy or large items.
• Models and assistants must be active, registered, and paid SkillsUSA student members. Model clothing should include a business appropriate white dress shirt or polo shirt, black dress slacks, and black dress shoes (non-skid and completely enclosed; no open-toe or open-heel). SkillsUSA Championships General Regulations, 2024-26, pages 16-17.
• Any pre-recorded sounds or words used as part of visual or auditory aids should not be distracting. Additionally, pre-recorded audio cannot replace the competitor’s speech—only the competitor’s live presentation will be evaluated.

By following these tips, competitors will meet SkillsUSA standards and expectations for a professional and effective demonstration. Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by April 2026.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

AST 6.0 — Perform suspension and steering related tasks identified in the Automobile Suspension and Steering Task List (ASE Test 4)

6.1. – Perform pre alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height

6.2. – Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.

6.3. – Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations

6.4. – Dismount, inspect and remount tire on wheel

6.5. – Balance tire and wheel assembly

6.6. – Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss

6.7. – Repair tire using an internal patch

6.8. – Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.

6.9. – Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure.

6.10. – Identify and inspect steering components

6.11. – Identify and inspect suspension components

6.12. – Use reference materials provided

6.13. – Use tools provided to complete the above tasks.

The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2026:

National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.

In addition to completing the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, national competitors in Baking and Pastry Arts must also complete two (2) online third-party assessments by the published deadline. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to registered competitors from the test vendor by May 15.

The technical committee has released the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Mannequin Information for National Competition

The technical committee provides mannequins for use during the national competition. If this requirement changes, competitors will be responsible for supplying their own mannequins. Please note that the specific type or brand of mannequin will not be disclosed in advance unless competitors are required to bring their own.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

Tips and Reminders

1. Purpose and Theme Connection:
   • When preparing the Chapter Display description required for Section 3.b.2 of the binder documentation, ensure the Purpose is detailed.
   • Place special emphasis on its alignment with the current theme and its relevance to the SkillsUSA Framework.
2. Design and Shipping Logistics: demonstrate your SkillsUSA Framework | Workplace Skills: Planning, Organizing and Management
   • Plan for size and weight: Design the display to minimize shipping challenges.
   • Anticipate shipping costs: Plan for potential expenses when shipping the display to the National Leadership and Skills Conference using a commercial carrier. Click the links below to research shipping crate construction best practices.
     1. FedEx How to Ship Using Crates
     2. Uline Standard Wood Crate Sizes
   • Modular components: Incorporate modular elements that can be assembled on-site to form the final full-size display.
   • Ease of transport and setup: Ensure the display is easy to transport, set up, and tear down.
   • Functionality and creativity: Maintain a balance between functionality and creativity, ensuring the design is both efficient and visually impactful.

The use of any device to generate haze or smoke is strictly prohibited in all competitions.

By following these tips, teams can create a practical and impressive display, meeting SkillsUSA standards and expectations.

The technical committee has released the following updates for NLSC 2026:

Mannequin Information for National Competition

The technical committee provides mannequins for use during the national competition. If this requirement changes, competitors will be responsible for supplying their own mannequins. Please note that the specific type or brand of mannequin will not be disclosed in advance unless competitors are required to bring their own.

The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2026:

National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must submit all required online materials by the published deadline. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.

In addition to completing the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test, national competitors in Culinary Arts must also complete an online third-party assessment by the published deadline. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to registered competitors from the test vendor by May 15.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

The required pre-conference briefings, timeline, and submission link for the online short film will be published here. The first digital cinema national competition briefing will be held in April and is an overview of the pre-conference requirements and timeline. The film prompt will be published in May and national competitors will have approximately one week to complete the pre-conference assignments.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC in November 2025.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Per the national technical standards, the design problem will be posted on the Thursday prior to the competition’s start. Competitors are expected to complete the design before arriving at the competition and will present their design proposal during the competition.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

• Job Application: Competitors will complete the job application immediately following the orientation session.
• What to Bring: Competitors should bring a printed copy of their resume and portfolio, as these materials may be used to complete the application.

Please come prepared to ensure a smooth and successful start to your competition experience.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by December 2025.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

Update to Skill Performance Requirements

Following a comprehensive review of the competition structure and venue logistics, the Technical Committee has determined that the pedicure skill performance will no longer be included in the competition.

This decision was made due to the physical setup and logistical limitations of performing a pedicure within a convention center environment, which places unnecessary strain on competitors.

As a result, the pedicure station has been removed from the list of evaluated skills. The points previously allocated to this performance have been reallocated to other components of the competition to ensure a balanced and comprehensive assessment of competitors’ technical abilities.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

National competitors have pre-conference submission requirements to upload a digital copy of both their resume and their discussion paper.

By May 5, all competitors will receive an important email that explains how to access their Competitor Materials Portal.

The technical committee has provided the following update for NLSC 2026:

• The Active Round for Middle School teams will consist of a total of 50 questions.

The national competitors in Quiz Bowl are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. SkillsUSA Championships national competitors will receive an email with their login credentials by May 5.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for NLSC by December 2025.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

• Each team has simultaneous access to the required application.
• Competitors can use devices they are most comfortable and familiar with.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee anticipates releasing updates for the NLSC by May 2026.

The technical committee for the Welding Sculpture competition has provided the following clarification for the 2024-26 Technical Standards competition guidelines 4.e. Projects are to be left unpainted, including primers and other coatings (except for clear coating).

• Naturally achieved, patinas shall be limited to air, water or heat, or any combination thereof. (No chemically enhanced finishes are permitted).
• A penalty of 50 points will be deducted for paint/finish violation.

Clarification on Chemical Treatments for the Welding Sculpture Competition:

• Borax is considered a chemical treatment and is not permitted under competition guidelines.
  • Exception: Borax may be used only during the forge welding process, where it functions as a flux to join steel that has been heated in a forge and hammer-welded together.
• Soot is permitted only when it is a byproduct of the oxyfuel process (heating, cutting, or welding). This soot is naturally produced when the oxygen is turned off and the fuel gas remains on a necessary step in properly shutting down oxyfuel equipment. Therefore, it is considered part of the welding/joining process and not an intentional chemical patina.